✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 33 of 112 — The Void of the Inner Channel
Sanskrit Verse
kapālāntarmano nyasya tiṣṭhanmīlitalocanaḥ | kramādmanolayādūrdhvaṃ lakṣayellakṣyamuttamam ||
Fixing the mind within the space of the skull and remaining with eyes closed, one gradually achieves the dissolution of the mind and perceives the highest goal through the rising of awareness.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'Kapala,' the interior of the skull, which in Kashmir Shaivism represents the cosmic dome reflecting the infinite space of Bhairava. The metaphysics here rests on the principle of 'Manolaya,' or the dissolution of the mental fluctuations (vrittis) into the pure void of consciousness. By withdrawing the senses and focusing inward, the practitioner transitions from 'Vikalpa' (differentiated thought) to 'Nirvikalpa' (undifferentiated awareness). The 'Lakshyam Uttamam' or highest goal referred to is the experience of the Sahasrara, where the individual consciousness merges with the universal. As the mind stabilizes within the physical boundaries of the skull, those boundaries are eventually perceived as non-existent, revealing the 'Akasha' or ether that pervades all things. This practice bridges the gap between the physical body and the subtle body, teaching the practitioner that the void within is identical to the void without.
Practice Instructions
- 01Begin by sitting in a stable posture such as Padmasana or Siddhasana. Gently close your eyes and take several deep, calming breaths to settle the nervous system.
- 02Shift your entire attention to the interior of your head. Do not focus on the brain as a physical organ, but rather on the internal space or 'hollow' within the skull.
- 03Visualize this area as a vast, dark, yet luminous room. Maintain a steady, unwavering gaze within this internal darkness.
- 04If thoughts arise, do not engage with them; simply return your focus to the stillness within the cranium.
- 05As you deepen the concentration, you may feel a sense of lightness or a subtle vibration at the crown of the head.
- 06Stay with this sensation until the distinction between your mind and the space it occupies begins to blur.
- 07Continue until the mind feels completely absorbed into the internal void.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I feel pressure in my head?
If you experience physical pressure, you are likely using too much muscular effort. Relax the micro-muscles around the eyes and jaw. The focus should be purely mental and 'weightless.' Soften your internal gaze and ensure your breath remains natural and unforced to allow the energy to circulate freely rather than stagnating.
Is this technique similar to Third Eye meditation?
While the location is proximal, this dharana focuses on the entire cranial void rather than a single point between the eyebrows. It aims for 'Manolaya' or total mental dissolution throughout the upper cavity, fostering a sense of spaciousness that transcends the localized point-focus typical of many Ajna chakra practices.
How do I know if I am achieving 'Manolaya'?
Manolaya is characterized by a significant reduction in spontaneous thoughts and a loss of the sense of time. You will feel a deep sense of peace where the 'meditator' and the 'object of meditation' begin to merge, leaving only a clear, silent awareness that is both empty and full.
Can beginners practice this inner space technique?
Yes, though beginners may find their minds wandering frequently. It is helpful to start with five-minute sessions and gradually increase the duration. The key is consistency and the gentle redirection of the mind whenever it drifts toward external sounds or internal dialogues during the period of inward focus.
Should my eyes be focused upward behind closed lids?
There is no need to strain the optic nerves by looking upward. The 'gaze' is internal and conceptual. Keep the physical eyes relaxed as if looking straight ahead into a dark room. The focus is on the spatial quality within the skull, not on a physical movement of the eyeballs.
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